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HomeElections CodeDiv. 15Ch. 3Art. 5§ 15271 Ballot Count Verification Process

§ 15271 Ballot Count Verification Process

Elections Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 15271 Ballot Count Verification Process

This law says that right after voting ends, the local election board must count the unopened ballots and check if the total matches the number of voters signed up, then write down the numbers and any difference.

Key Takeaways

  • •The count must start as soon as the polls close.
  • •Only unopened ballots are counted.
  • •The board writes down three numbers: ballots in the box, signatures on the roster, and any difference.

Example

After the town's election day ends, the precinct board takes the sealed ballot box, counts every ballot, and compares that count to the list of registered voters who signed up to vote.

If the board finds 500 ballots but only 495 signatures on the voter list, they note the 5‑ballot difference on the roster as required by the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 15271 Ballot Count Verification Process

As soon as the polls are finally closed, the precinct board shall commence to count the votes by taking the ballots cast, unopened, out of the box and counting them to ascertain whether the number of ballots corresponds with the number of signatures on the roster. The precinct board shall make a record upon the roster of the number of ballots in the ballot box, the number of signatures on the roster, and the difference, if any. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 1999.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

precinct boardballotssignatures on the rosterrecord upon the roster

Related Statutes

  • § 15279 Ballot Sealing After Counting
  • § 12281 Polling Place Change Notice
  • § 12286 Precinct And Polling Setup
  • § 14213 Poll Opening Announcement
  • § 14221 Voting Booth Access Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 15271.
View Official Source